Bengaluru: BMTC adds 148 new electric buses, expands its services

Bengaluru’s public transport system took a significant step toward sustainability with the addition of 148 new non-AC electric buses to the BMTC fleet. The buses were flagged off at a formal event held at the BMTC Central Office in Shanthinagar, attended by Transport and Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy. The occasion also saw the introduction of new express routes and curated tour services aimed at enhancing commuter experience.

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With this addition, BMTC’s electric fleet now comprises 1,436 buses, one of the largest in the country. According to BMTC officials, these electric buses are expected to prevent nearly 2.07 lakh kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions and save 77,000 litres of diesel every single day, reinforcing Bengaluru’s push for cleaner urban mobility.

The newly inducted buses will operate from Jayanagar’s Depot-4 and are equipped with a 298 kWh battery pack. Each vehicle can accommodate 35 seated passengers and includes accessibility features such as wheelchair spaces, hydraulic kneeling systems, and entry ramps for differently-abled individuals. Passenger safety has been prioritized with panic buttons, especially for women, and voice announcement systems to aid navigation.

To support this transition, BMTC has set up dedicated charging stations at major transit points like Kempegowda Bus Station, Shivajinagar, KR Market, Hebbala, Mallasandra, Bannerghatta TTMC, and BTM Layout.

BMTC also revealed that 195 air-conditioned electric buses will be introduced in a phased manner, with plans to scale up further by adding 4,500 more electric buses in the near future, a move aimed at achieving a fully green and inclusive public transport system.